YouTube - (1) can this source contain a virus? (2) Would Norton block it

I was looking for a banjo/ukulele duet from a Western and Bing pointed me to YouTube. I used the site for probably the very first time and after a few seconds of listening to the music the screen went black - but the music continued. The only way that I could exit YouTube was to switch off my laptop. Something that I would not normally do.

I ran MBaM and was relieved when it gave the all clear but it made me think - can YouTube contain a virus? If it can, would Norton spot it/block it?

Re: YouTube - (1) can this source contain a virus? (2) Would Norton block it

Hello Taffy. Although contraction of viruses through YouTube video is a rarity embedded links that pop-up within the video can cause the download of PUP and PUA's. And yes Norton will detect and block it straight away. The site of the video becomes the issue as it is dependent on the browser. Most websites have or are going to the HTML5 format for video on their websites, leaving Flash Player in the dust. Disable or remove it entirely if you don't have a program dependent on it.

Re: YouTube - (1) can this source contain a virus? (2) Would Norton block it

[...] after a few seconds of listening to the music the screen went black - but the music continued. The only way that I could exit YouTube was to switch off my laptop. [..]

just thinking out loud
Um, did you try to Sign Out (of your Windows user account)....or, did you try Alt+F4.
Or, did you try Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager (browser > End task).
Or, did you try Ctrl+Alt+Del. Or, did you try WinKey+Ctrl+Shift+B.